In the upper districts of Vigilus's hive cities, spires rose in dense clusters. Once symbols of prosperity and power, they had now become a bloody slaughterhouse.
Harken Worldclaimer, the arrogant Chaos Raptors lord, led his twisted Heldrake force as they weaved and dove recklessly between the spires.
The thunder of Bolters, the roar of chainsaws, and the dying screams of victims mingled into a blasphemous symphony.
He reveled in the thrill of slaughter, as though he could already see the glory of presenting this burning planet to Warmaster Abaddon.
"For the Warmaster! Kill every one of these false Emperor's lapdogs!" Harken's roar came through his vox-grille, brimming with cruel excitement.
Below, the Sisters of Battle held their ground behind the sturdy fortifications of a cathedral, their Power Armour stained with filthy blood.
The Canoness at their head wore a resolute expression. She was about to order several key towers burned down, using fire and collapse to flush out the Raptors lurking unpredictably through the complex structures.
Just then, two figures radiating pure white light streaked through the foul sky like comets and came to a halt above the battlefield.
Chasing Wind and Flowing Cloud, Liang Bing's angelic guards.
They had received the Queen's orders: they could assist these allies and clear away some unsightly "trash."
Their arrival was like ice water thrown into boiling oil, instantly drawing every gaze on the battlefield.
Hope flared in the Sisters of Battle's eyes. They believed the Emperor had sent new saints.
But Harken was drawn to that holy radiance and the powerful energy fluctuations. Greed and the desire to hunt surged within him.
"Ha! Two saints who don't know their place? Perfect. Your heads will decorate my trophy rack!" Harken grinned savagely, driving the Heldrake beneath him, reeking of sulfur, forward with a